Oregano oral care compositions and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A multi-benefit oral composition is provided. The oral composition is efficacious as an antibacterial, antiplaque, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-halitosis oral composition. The active ingredient has one or more active compounds from an extract of oregano. The oral composition can be in the form of a mouth rinse; a dentifrice, including toothpaste, gels, powders; animal products; a film; or confectioneries, such as lozenges, and the like. Methods of making and using the oral composition are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human periodontal diseases are inflammatory disorders that are theresult of complex interactions between periodontopathogens and thehost's immune response. It is believed that there are two interrelatedaspects to the progression of periodontal disease, the first is theactivation of the immune system of the host and the second is theproduction of oxygen radicals and their related metabolites. Increasedproduction of oxygen radicals may contribute to oxidative stress, whichis believed to be involved in periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is the inflammation or infection of the gums and the alveolarbones that support the teeth. Gingivitis is generally believed to becaused by bacteria in the mouth (particularly the bacteria instigated inplaque formation) and the toxins formed as by-products from thebacteria. The plaque and bacterial toxins are believed to instigate oraltissue inflammation within the mouth. Periodontitis is a progressivelyworsened state of disease as compared to gingivitis, where the gums areinflamed and begin to recede from the teeth and pockets form in therecession, which ultimately may result in destruction of the bone andperiodontal ligament. Thus, chronic infection and inflammationpotentially results in the subsequent loss of teeth. Further, oraltissue inflammation can be caused by surgery, localized injury, trauma,or necrosis, or various systemic origins.

It is generally believed that the cellular components implicated bythese diseases and conditions include epithelial tissue, gingivalfibroblasts, and circulating leukocytes, all of which contribute to thehost response to pathogenic factors generated by the bacteria. Thus,bacterial infection of the oral tissue ramps up the host's immuneresponse and diminishes the healing process by generating free radicalspecies (reactive oxygen species) and up-regulating inflammatorymediators that cause significant tissue damage.

Free radicals are atoms, ions, or molecules that contain an unpairedelectron, and as such are usually unstable and exhibit short half-lives.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are products produced during variousbiochemical processes, and include superoxide anions (O₂ ⁻), hydrogenperoxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radicals (OH⁻), and non-radical oxidants suchas singlet oxygen (¹O₂). The formation of ROS can occur as part of manycellular processes including mitochondrial respiration, immune cellresponses, cell injury, heat, radiation of many origins, from metabolismof drugs and other chemicals. The ROS are highly reactive and modifyimportant cellular macromolecules. ROS initiate or accelerate diseaseprocesses.

In one example, ROS are generated during inflammation by phagocyticleukocytes, such as activated neutrophils that produce an “oxidativeburst” of superoxide radicals, which are believed to be an essentialfactor in producing the cytotoxic effect of activated neutrophils.Moreover, superoxide may be produced physiologically by endothelialcells for reaction with nitric oxide, a physiological regulator, formingperoxynitrite, ONOO⁻ which may decay and give rise to hydroxyl radical,OH. Additional sources of oxyradicals are “leakage” of electrons fromdisrupted mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticular electron transportchains, prostaglandin synthesis, oxidation of catecholamines, andplatelet activation.

ROS are thought to be involved in almost all disease processes and theageing process. Increased ROS formation under pathological conditions isbelieved to cause cellular damage through the action of these highlyreactive molecules by crosslinking proteins, mutagenizing DNA, andperoxidizing lipids.

Another aspect of the immune response is the production of various intraand inter-cellular mediators of inflammation. One class of mediatorsextensively studied for their effect on the inflammatory response arethe arachidonic acid metabolites namely prostaglandins and leukotrienes,that are produced through the cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase enzymepathways. These metabolites have been implicated as the prime mediatorsin gingivitis, periodontitis, osteomyelitis and other inflammatorydiseases.

It would be desirable to have a method of treating a mammalian subjecthaving infection, inflammation, and potential cellular damage in oraltissue, by killing the etiological pathogens of infection, reducing theproduction of one or more mediators of inflammation, and reducing freeradical reactive oxygen species to reduce cellular damage to the oraltissue to promote healing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, an oral care compositioncomprises an active ingredient comprising a safe and effective amount ofone or more compounds from an extract of oregano, and an orallyacceptable vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an antibacterial,anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant active ingredient for use in an oralcare composition comprises a safe and effective amount of an extract oforegano.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofproviding one or more oral health benefits to an oral cavity of amammalian subject. The method comprises preparing an oral carecomposition comprising an orally acceptable carrier; and a safe andeffective amount of an active ingredient comprising one or more activecompounds from an extract of oregano. The oral composition as preparedis contacted with one or more oral surfaces of the oral cavity toprovide the benefits thereto.

It has been discovered that compositions and methods of this inventionafford advantages over prior art antibacterial and antiplaquecompositions, by providing an oral care composition for promotingmultiple oral care benefits in a single active ingredient. The activeingredient comprises one or more active compounds from an extract oforegano. The active ingredient is highly effective against bothgram-positive and gram-negative bacteria implicated in variousconditions and diseases of the oral cavity. Additionally, the oral carecomposition provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to theoral cavity to promote healing and to reduce tissue damage and ageing.Further, the oral composition comprises an active ingredient that isnatural and derived from a botanical source. Further uses, benefits andembodiments of the present invention are apparent from the descriptionset forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a highly efficaciousantimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory oral composition isprovided that has a combination of one or more active compounds isolatedfrom an extract of oregano.

The oral compositions of the present invention inhibit the growth ofvarious oral bacteria that are implicated in forming plaque and causingoral diseases. The oral composition of the present invention is appliedto one or more oral surfaces in the oral cavity, and promotes overalloral health, including inhibition of plaque formation, gingivitis,periodontitis, halitosis, and the like. For example, in an embodiment ofthe present invention, where an oral care composition comprises anorally acceptable delivery carrier and a safe and effective amount ofthe extract of oregano, it has been observed that the oregano extracthas anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, and is highlyefficacious against both gram-positive and anaerobic gram-negativebacteria, including those that form plaque and cause halitosis. Thus,the oral compositions of the present invention provide multiple oralcare benefits simultaneously.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that the activeantibacterial ingredients of various embodiments of the oral carecomposition are derived from botanicals that have been used as food forthousands of years. Such extracts are suitable as ingredients for dailyuse with an oral care hygiene product, such as dentifrice and mouthrinse formulations.

The compositions of the present invention comprise at least one activecompound found in an extract of oregano. As referred to herein, such an“extract” of oregano is an extract obtained from dried leaves, cortex(i.e., bark), root, stalk, flower, or any suitable part of a plant fromthe Lamiaceae family, preferably of the genus Origanum. For example,suitable extracts include those from Origanum vulgare (commonly known as“oregano”, “wild oregano”, or “wild marjoram”), including itssub-species (Origanum vulgare ssp.), Origanum onites (commonly known as“Italian oregano” or “pot marjoram”), Origanum majorana (commonly knownas “marjoram” or “sweet marjoram”) and Origanum heracleoticum. Origanumvulgare subspecies include O. vulgare ssp. vulgare, O. vulgare ssp.viride, and O. vulgare ssp. hirtum (commonly known as “Greek oregano” or“Wild oregano”). As referred to hereinafter, “oregano” encompasses allsuitable species and sub-species of the genus Origanum. The term“extract” also encompasses synthetic or semi-synthetic equivalents ofsuch a natural extract or an active component thereof. In certainembodiments of the present invention, the active ingredient in the oralcomposition comprises one or more active compounds that have beenisolated from an extract of oregano. In other embodiments, the activeingredient comprises an entire extract of oregano. It should be notedthat certain oregano extracts are in lipophilic carriers, such as thecase with essential oils, or where the extract is diluted in an oilcarrier. Other extracts may be partially or fully separated from thelipophilic carriers and merely contain the active compounds of theextract and hydrophobic carriers or solvents. The extracts may be inliquid or dried powder forms. The terms “oregano extract” (whichincludes a form of the extract and at least one active compound) and oneor more active compounds from an extract of oregano are usedinterchangeably herein.

In one embodiment, oregano extract is obtained from dried oregano leavesprepared by extracting the plant material using an appropriate solvent.Preferred solvents include methanol, ethanol, methylene chloride, hexanecyclohexane, pentane, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylene dichloride,and hydrofluoroalkanes, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA-13A).Generally, one part of plant tissue (dry basis) is extracted with about5 to about 50 parts, preferably about 15 parts to about 30 parts ofsolvent using an extraction apparatus where the solvent is contactedwith the plant matter to obtain a concentrated paste which is thensubjected to one or more additional extraction steps with differentsolvents to further concentrate the originally obtained paste over anextended period of time, preferably about 6 hours to about 1-2 days,more preferably for about 1 day.

Other methods of extraction include steam distillation or supercriticalfluid extraction. In one embodiment of the present invention, theoregano extract is isolated by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)using carbon dioxide (CO₂). Thus, in accordance with the presentinvention, oregano or active compounds from oregano are extracted fromthe oregano plant by any of a variety of suitable extraction methodsknown to one of skill in the art. Oregano is reported to contain over 30compounds, such as carvarcrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid.

While not limiting to any theories by which the present invention isbound, it is believed that carvacrol and thymol provide antimicrobialproperties of extracts of oregano and rosmarinic acid providesanti-oxidant properties. However, as described above, over thirty activecompounds have been identified in oregano extract, which represents awide complement of compounds that contribute to efficacy in a variety ofareas and functionality. The oral compositions of the present inventioncomprising an oregano extract active ingredient are effective asanti-inflammatory agents, as well.

“Inflammation” of the oral tissue generally refers to a localizedprotective response elicited by injury or destruction of tissues, whichserves to destroy, dilute, or sequester both the injurious agent and theinjured tissue. In the acute form, it is characterized by pain, heat,redness, swelling, and loss of function. Chronic inflammation is a slowprocess and primarily characterized by the formation of new connectivetissue. Chronic inflammation is often a continuation of acuteinflammation or a prolonged low-grade form of inflammation (such as thatassociated with periodontitis or gingivitis) and usually causespermanent tissue damage. Histologically, inflammation involves a complexseries of events, including dilation of arterioles, capillaries, andvenules, with increased permeability and blood flow; exudation offluids, including plasma proteins, and leukocytic migration into theinflammatory locus. Inflammation corresponds to enhanced levels ofpro-inflammatory cellular mediators, or substances that are releasedfrom cells, for example, as the result of the interaction of an antigenwith an antibody or by the action of antigen with a sensitizedlymphocyte.

In practice of the invention, the oral composition comprising oregano isapplied to sites of inflamed oral tissue at a concentration that reducesthe production of one or more inflammatory cellular mediators. Invarious embodiments of the present invention, the anti-inflammatoryactive ingredient of the oral composition simultaneously inhibits actionand/or formation of multiple proinflammatory mediators, for example,both PGE₂ and TNF-α. Each respective mediator generally has a differentmechanism in the pathogenesis of a disease.

In various embodiments, the oral compositions comprise oregano extractat a concentration where the production of one or more proinflammatorymediators, such as for example, PGE₂ is significantly diminished.However, as recognized by one of skill in the art, a completesuppression of formation of such cellular mediators is also potentiallydetrimental to the mammalian subject, and in accordance with certainembodiments of the present invention, the production of cytokines is notentirely repressed. Thus, in various embodiments, the oregano extract ispresent in the oral composition at a concentration that prevents theover-expression of one or more inflammatory mediators (which prevents anintrinsic mechanism for chronic disease), but still permits sufficientproduction of certain desirable mediator molecules (which arepleiotropic) to maintain homeostasis and normal cellular functions atbasal levels.

In various embodiments, the oregano extract or one or more of its activecompounds are used to prepare oral compositions of the presentinvention, such as, dentifrices, films, confectionaries, gels, andmouthrinses. Oral compositions may also be in the form of animal or petcare products in certain embodiments. The concentration of the activeingredient containing at least one active compound derived from anoregano extract depends upon the relative concentration of the activecompounds present in the extract, or purity of the compounds, and assuch, it is contemplated that the amount of oregano extract or activecompounds present may vary as recognized by one of skill in the art.Additionally, the concentration of the active ingredients is typicallydependent upon the form of the oral composition. For example,mouthrinses typically have a relatively low concentration of an activeingredient, as where dentifrices, gels, or toothpowders have a higherconcentration to achieve the same delivered dosage based on ease ofdispersion. Likewise, confectionary compositions typically have arelatively wide range of concentrations of active ingredient to enablesufficient dispersion as they dissolve or are masticated.

In one embodiment, an oral composition comprises a safe and effectiveamount of an active ingredient in an amount of about 0.0001 to about 10weight %. In certain embodiments, the active ingredient is present inthe oral composition at a concentration of about 0.001 to about 5%. Inother embodiments, the active ingredient is present at about 0.01 toabout 3%.

In various embodiments, an active ingredient comprising oregano ispresent in the oral composition. As described above, the activeingredient may comprise one or more active compounds isolated from anextract of oregano, as where in other embodiments the active ingredientcontains the oregano extract or a derivative thereof that includes theone or more active ingredients. In one embodiment, an oral compositioncomprises an active ingredient having one or more active compounds(which may include embodiments where the active compound(s) arecontained in an extract of oregano) present in the oral composition at aconcentration of about 0.001 to about 3% by weight, more preferablyabout 0.01 to about 3%. In another embodiment, the one or more activecompounds comprise less than 1% of the oral composition, and in certainembodiments are between about 0.001 to about 1% by weight. In otherembodiments, the one or more active compounds comprises between about0.01 and about 1% of the oral composition, and in other embodimentsabout 0.1 to about 0.5% of the oral composition.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oral caremultiple oral care benefits to a mammalian subject and there may not bea need for additional active ingredients. In one such embodiment, anoral care composition comprises an active ingredient consistingessentially of one or more active compounds from an extract of oregano.In another embodiment, an oral care composition comprises an activeingredient consisting essentially of an extract of oregano.

In certain embodiments, an oral care composition of the presentinvention has an additional active agent ingredient in addition to theone or more active compounds from an oregano extract. If added, theadditional active ingredients should not react with or detract from theefficacy and bioavailability of the oregano extract or any otheringredients of the composition, thus maintaining a stable andefficacious oral composition.

An optional active material is operable for the prevention or treatmentof a condition or disorder of hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity,the prevention or treatment of a physiological disorder or condition, orto provide a cosmetic benefit. In various embodiments, the active is an“oral care active” operable to treat or prevent a disorder or provide acosmetic benefit within the oral cavity (e.g., to the teeth, gingiva orother hard or soft tissue of the oral cavity). In other embodiments, theactive is a “systemic active” which is operable to treat or prevent adisorder which, in whole or in part, is not a disorder of the oralcavity. Thus, compositions of the present invention may also be used forthe treatment or prevention of systemic disorders, such as theimprovement of overall systemic health characterized by a reduction inrisk of development of systemic diseases, such as cardiovasculardisease, stroke, diabetes, severe respiratory infection, premature andlow birth weight infants (including associated post-partum dysfunctionin neurologic/developmental function), and associated increased risk ofmortality.

Optional oral care actives among those useful herein include whiteningagents, anticaries agents, tartar control agents, periodontal actives,abrasives, breath freshening agents, malodour control agents, toothdesensitizers, salivary stimulants, anti-adhesion agents, plaquedispersing agents, and combinations thereof. It is understood that whilegeneral attributes of each of the above categories of actives maydiffer, there may be some common attributes and any given material mayserve multiple purposes within two or more of such categories ofactives.

In various embodiments, a highly efficacious antiplaque, antibacterial,and anti-inflammatory oral care composition contains an activeingredient comprising one or more active compounds from an oreganoextract. However, in certain embodiments of the present invention, anadditional antimicrobial/antibacterial ingredient may be included in theoral care compositions. If added, the antiplaque (e.g., antibacterial)active ingredients should not react with or detract from the efficacyand bioavailability of the oregano extract.

Suitable antibacterial agents for use in addition to the oregano extractof the present invention include other known antibacterial botanicalextracts or active compounds isolated from such extracts. Non-limitingexamples of antibacterial natural extracts include those isolated fromgreen or oolong tea, gold thread, cranberry and other Ericaceae familyplants, honeysuckle, grape seed, myrobalan, rosemary, east Indianwalnut, neem, niruri, and pine bark.

Green tea and oolong tea are isolated from the Camellia sinensis. Theactive components are believed to be the polyphenol catechines includingcatechin, epocatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatchin gallate,gallocatechin and epigallocatechin. Gold thread extracts are obtainedfrom one or more of the following plant families Annonaceae,Berberidaceae, Menispermaceae, Papaveraceae, Ranunculaceae, Rutaceae,Zingiberaceae, Nadina, Mahonia, Thalictrum spp. The active compound isbelieved to be berberine. The honeysuckle (Lonicera ceprifolium)extracts are obtained from the flower of the honeysuckle plant. Theactive polyphenol materials in the honeysuckle extract are believed tobe the chlorogenic acid and/or lutenolin flavanoids. The Ericaceaefamily broadly refers to over 100 genera and the over 4,000 associatedspecies, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,869 to Sanker,et al. In certain embodiments, extracts from plants in the Vacciniumgenus are useful as antibacterial natural extracts, such as cranberry(Vaccinium macrocarpon).

Other natural extracts that are known antimicrobial agents are thoselisted in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook,Tenth Ed., 2004, including the following extracts. Grape seed isextracted from Vitis Vinifera seed. Myrobalan is preferably extractedfrom Terminalia Bellerica fruit. Rosmarinus Officinalis leaf is isolatedto create rosemary extract. Pine bark extract is preferably extractedfrom the cortex (bark) of Pinus Pinaster (Maritime pine). The leaf ofEast Indian walnut (Albizia Lebbek) is used for the extract. The extractof the cortex of the neem or margosa plant (Melia Azadirachta) is aknown antibacterial component. Niruri or Phyllanthus Niruri extract isalso a known antibacterial extract.

Extracts suitable for use in the present invention can be obtained fromany part of the plant including the leaf, stem, bark, pulp, seed, flesh,juice, root and mixtures thereof. It is preferred that the extract isobtained from the leaf, pulp and seed, more preferably from the leaf,flower or bark. The natural extracts containing antibacterial activecompounds that are useful as additional antiplaque, e.g., antibacterialagents, in the oral compositions should be safe and suitable for use inmammals.

Other useful antimicrobial agents include non-ionic and anionic agentsknown to one of skill in the art. Examples of non-ionic agents includesubstantially water insoluble, noncationic antibacterial agents. Forexample, such antibacterial agents include an alkylphenoxy phenol; acycloalkyl-phenoxyphenol; a 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenol; an alkylphenol; acycloalkyl-phenol; a phenolic compound; a halogenated carbanilide; ahalogenated salicylanilide; a benzoic ester; a halogenated diphenylether, and mixtures thereof.

The nonionic antibacterial alkylphenoxy phenol orcycloalkyl-phenoxyphenol or -9,10-dihydrophenanthrenol includes anoncationic antibacterial phenol containing, relative to the hydroxylgroup, an alkyl or cycloalkyl group, preferably tert-butyl (t-butyl), in2-position, and substituents in one or both of the 4- and 5-positions,one of which may be phenyl or 2′, 3′ and/or 4′ substituted alkyl orcycloalkyl phenyl, preferably 4′-t-butyl phenyl or a phenanthrenecontaining a hydroxyl substituent in the 2- or 3-position and alkyl orcycloalkyl, preferably t-butyl, substituents in the other of the 2- and3-positions and in at least one of the other rings and are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,723,500 to Stringer et al., issued Mar. 3, 1998.

The water insoluble non-ionic antibacterial alkyl-phenol orcycloalkyl-phenol include a phenol containing, relative to the hydroxylgroup, an alkyl or cycloalkyl group, preferably tert-butyl (t-butyl), inthe 2-position, and substituents in one or both of the 4- and5-positions, one or both of which may be alkyl or cycloalkyl, one beingpreferably t-butyl, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,274,Stringer et al., Jun. 15, 1999.

The phenolic compounds among those useful herein include phenol and itshomologs, mono and polyalkyl and aromatic halophenols, resorcinol andits derivatives, and bisphenolic compounds, such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,368,844, Gaffar et al., issued Nov. 29, 1994. Certainpreferred phenolic compounds are n-hexyl resorcinol and 2,2′-methylenebis (4-chloro-6-bromophenol).

Exemplary halogenated carbanilides, halogenated salicylanilides andbenzoic esters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,435, Gaffar et al.,issued Jul. 7, 1998. Halogenated carbanilides include3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4,4′-dichlorocarbanilide,and 3,3′,4-trichlorocarbanilide. Halogenated salicylanilides include4′5-dibromosalicylanilide, 3,4′,5-trichlorosalcylanilide,3,4′,5-tribromosalicylanilide, 2,3,3′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide,3,3′,5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide, 3,5-dibromo-3′-trifluoromethylsalicylanilide, 5-n-octanoyl-3′-trifluoromethyl salicylanilide,3,5-dibromo-4′-trifluoromethyl salicylanilide, 3,5-dibromo-3′-trifluoromethyl salicylanilide (Fluorophene), and mixtures thereof. Benzoicesters include methyl-p-hydroxybenzoic ester, ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoicester, propyl-p-hydroxybenzoic ester, and butyl-p-hydroxybenzoic ester.

A particularly suitable non-ionic antiplaque antibacterial agent is adiphenyl ether selected from the group comprising2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan) and2,2′-dihydroxy-5,5′-dibromodiphenyl ether. Triclosan is particularlysuitable for use as an additional antiplaque antibacterial agent.

In various embodiments, the additional antiplaque antibacterial agentsadded to the oral composition of the present invention comprise about0.0001% to about 10%, preferably about 0.001% to about 5%, morepreferably about 0.01% to about 3%, depending on the concentration ofthe active compounds and the form of the oral composition.

The oral composition of the present invention may contain an anticariesagent, such as a fluoride ion source or a fluorine-providing component.In various embodiments, the fluoride based anticaries agent is presentin an amount sufficient to supply about 25 ppm to 5,000 ppm of fluorideions. Useful anticaries agents include inorganic fluoride salts, such assoluble alkali metal salts. For example, preferred fluoride sourcesuseful in the oral composition are sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride,sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, sodiummonfluorophosphate (MFP), and amine fluorides, including olaflur(N′-octadecyltrimethylendiamine-N,N,N′-tris(2-ethanol)-dihydrofluoride).Tin based compounds, including stannous fluoride and stannous chlorideare also useful herein. In certain embodiments, sodium fluoride, sodiumMFP, or olaflur(N′-octadecyltrimethylendiamine-N,N,N′-tris(2-ethanol)-dihydrofluoride).is preferred as an anticaries ingredient.

Where sodium fluoride is the sole fluoride-releasing salt present,illustratively an amount of about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.05% toabout 1% or about 0.1% to about 0.5%, sodium fluoride by weight ispresent in the composition.

In various embodiments, the oral compositions of the present inventioncomprise antitartar agents to prevent and/or minimize calculusformation. One or more of such agents can be present.

Suitable anticalculus agents include without limitation: phosphates andpolyphosphates. Phosphate and polyphosphate salts are generally employedin the form of their wholly or partially neutralized water solublecationic species (e.g., potassium, sodium or ammonium salts, and anymixtures thereof). Thus, useful inorganic phosphate and polyphosphatesalts illustratively include monovalent cations with monobasic, dibasicand tribasic phosphates; tripolyphosphate and tetrapolyphosphate; mono-,di-, tri- and tetra-pyrophosphates; and cyclophosphates (also generallyknown in the art as “metaphosphates”). Useful monovalent cations of suchphosphate salts include hydrogen, monovalent metals including alkalimetals, and ammonium, for example.

Examples of useful antitartar agents include Na₅P₃O₁₀ (sodiumtripolyphosphate or STPP), tetraalkali metal pyrophosphate salts such asNa₄P₂O₇ (tetrasodium pyrophosphate or TSPP), K₄P₂O₇ (tetrapotassiumpyrophosphate), Na₂K₂P₂O₇ (disodium dipotassium pyrophosphate),Na₂H₂P₂O₇ (disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate) and K₂H₂P₂O₇ (dipotassiumdihydrogen pyrophosphate). Cyclophosphates, which are generally referredto as “metaphosphates”, are cyclic phosphate anion compounds. Thoseuseful as tartar control agents include, sodium hexametaphosphate andsodium trimetaphosphate, for example. In one embodiment, the activeanticalculus system comprises sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and/ortetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP).

Other suitable tartar control agents include polyaminopropanesulfonicacid (AMPS), zinc citrate trihydrate, polypeptides such as polyasparticand polyglutamic acids, polyolefin sulfonates, polyolefin phosphates,diphosphonates such as azacycloalkane-2,2-diphosphonates (e.g.,azacycloheptane-2,2-diphosphonic acid), N-methylazacyclopentane-2,3-diphosphonic acid, ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonicacid (EHDP) and ethane-1-amino-1,1-diphosphonate, phosphonoalkanecarboxylic acids and salts of any of these agents, for example theiralkali metal and ammonium salts.

In various embodiments where the anticalculus/anti-tartar activeingredients are present in the oral compositions, they range inconcentration about 0.01 to about 10% by weight, more preferably betweenabout 1 to about 5% by weight.

Additionally, various embodiments of the present invention include ananticalculus system that further comprises a synthetic anionic linearpolycarboxylate polymer. Synthetic anionic polycarboxylates may also beused in the dentifrice compositions of the present invention as anefficacy enhancing agent for tartar control agents, as well as for avariety of other active ingredients. The anionic linear polycarboxylateis generally synthesized by using an olefinically or ethylenicallyunsaturated carboxylic acid that contains an activated carbon-to-carbonolefinic double bond and at least one carboxyl group. The acid containsan olefinic double bond which readily functions in polymerizationbecause of its presence in the monomer molecule either in the alpha-betaposition with respect to a carboxyl group or as part of a terminalmethylene grouping. Illustrative of such acids are acrylic, methacrylic,ethacrylic, alpha-chloroacrylic, crotonic, beta-acryloxy propionic,sorbic, alpha-chlorsorbic, cinnamic, beta-styrilacrylic, muconic,itaconic, citraconic, mesaconic, glutaconic, aconitic,alpha-phenylacrylic, 2-benzyl acrylic, 2-cyclohexylacrylic, angelic,umbellic, fumaric, maleic acids and anhydrides. Other olefinic monomerscopolymerizable with such carboxylic monomers include vinyl acetate,vinyl chloride, dimethyl maleate and the like. The synthetic anioniclinear polymeric polycarboxylate component is mainly a hydrocarbon withoptional halogen and O-containing substituents and linkages as presentin for example ester, ether and OH groups. The copolymers preferablycontain sufficient carboxylic salt groups for water-solubility. Theterms “synthetic” and “linear” do not include known thickening orgelling agents comprising carboxymethylcellulose and other derivativesof cellulose and natural gums, nor Carbopols having reduced solubilitydue to cross-linkages.

Preferred are 1:4 to 4:1 copolymers of maleic anhydride or acid withanother polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferablymethyl vinyl ether (methoxyethylene) having a molecular weight (M.W.) ofabout 30,000 to about 2,500,000. These copolymers are commerciallyavailable, for example as GANTREZ® AN-139 (M.W. 1,000,000), AN-119 (M.W.200,000) and S-97 Solution (M.W. 1,500,000), from ISP Corporation.

In various embodiments, where the anti-tartar/anticalculus systemcomprises a synthetic anionic polycarboxylate, it is preferably presentabout 0.001 to about 5 weight %. In another embodiment, the syntheticanionic polycarboxylate is present about 0.01 to about 1.5 weight %,most preferably at about 1 weight % of the oral care composition. In oneembodiment according to the present invention, the anticalculus systemcomprises a copolymer of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether, suchas for example, the GANTREZ® S-97 product discussed above. In oneembodiment, the antitartar active ingredient system of the oral carecomposition comprises TSPP at about 0.5 to about 1.5% by weight, STPP atabout 1 to about 10% by weight, and a copolymer of maleic anhydride andmethyl vinyl ether at about 0.5 to about 1.5% by weight.

In another embodiment the oral composition comprises an orallyacceptable stannous ion source useful, for example, in helping reducegingivitis, plaque, calculus, caries or sensitivity. One or more suchsources can be present. Suitable stannous ion sources include withoutlimitation stannous fluoride, other stannous halides such as stannouschloride dihydrate, stannous pyrophosphate, organic stannous carboxylatesalts such as stannous formate, acetate, gluconate, lactate, tartrate,oxalate, malonate and citrate, stannous ethylene glyoxide and the like.One or more stannous ion sources are optionally and illustrativelypresent in a total amount of about 0.001% to about 10%, for exampleabout 0.1% to about 7% or about 1% to about 5% by weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment the oral composition comprises an orallyacceptable zinc ion source useful, for example, as an antimicrobial,anticalculus or breath-freshening agent. One or more such sources can bepresent. Suitable zinc ion sources include without limitation zincacetate, zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc glycinate, zinc oxide, zincsulfate, sodium zinc citrate and the like. One or more zinc ion sourcesare optionally and illustratively present in a total amount of about0.001% to about 3%, for example about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment the composition comprises an orally acceptablesialagogue (saliva stimulating agent) useful for example in ameliorationof dry mouth. One or more of such agents can be present in a salivastimulating effective total amount. Suitable sialagogues include withoutlimitation food acids such as citric, lactic, malic, succinic, ascorbic,adipic, fumaric and tartaric acids.

In another embodiment the composition comprises an orally acceptablebreath-freshening agent. One or more such agents can be present in abreath-freshening effective total amount. Suitable breath-fresheningagents include without limitation zinc salts such as zinc gluconate,zinc citrate and zinc chlorite, α-ionone and the like.

In addition to the above described antibacterial agents, which areoptionally added to the oral compositions of the present invention, andpreferably prevent plaque formation, another embodiment of thecomposition comprises an orally acceptable antiplaque agent. Anantiplaque agent can operate by an anti-adhesion mechanism, plaquedisrupting mechanism, or both. One or more such agents can be present inan antiplaque effective total amount. Additional suitable antiplaqueagents include without limitation stannous, copper, magnesium andstrontium salts, dimethicone copolyols such as cetyl dimethiconecopolyol, papain, glucoamylase, glucose oxidase, urea, calcium lactate,calcium glycerophosphate, strontium polyacrylates and chelating agentssuch as citric and tartaric acids and alkali metal salts thereof.

In another embodiment the composition comprises an orally acceptableanti-inflammatory agent other than the oregano compounds as describedabove. One or more such agents can be present in an anti-inflammatoryeffective total amount. Suitable anti-inflammatory agents includewithout limitation steroidal agents such as flucinolone andhydrocortisone, and nonsteroidal agents (NTHEs) such as ketorolac,flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac,indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, piroxicam,nabumetone, aspirin, diflunisal, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid,oxyphenbutazone and phenylbutazone. One or more anti-inflammatory agentsare optionally present in the composition in an anti-inflammatoryeffective amount.

In various embodiments, the orally acceptable dentifrice carrier used toprepare an oral composition comprises a water-phase. As recognized byone of skill in the art, the oral compositions of the present inventionoptionally include other materials, such as for example, viscositymodifiers, diluents, surface active agents, such as surfactants,emulsifiers, and foam modulators, pH modifying agents, abrasives,humectants, emollients, and moisturizers, mouth feel agents, sweeteningagents, flavor agents, colorants, preservatives and combinationsthereof. It is understood that while general attributes of each of theabove categories of materials may differ, there may be some commonattributes and any given material may serve multiple purposes within twoor more of such categories of materials. Preferably, such carriermaterials are selected for compatibility with the active ingredientcomprising an extract of oregano, as well as with other ingredients ofthe composition.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofpromoting oral health in an oral cavity and for treating plaque on anoral surface (tooth surface) of a mammalian subject. In one embodiment amethod of providing one or more oral health benefits to an oral cavityof a mammalian subject entails preparing an oral care compositioncomprising an orally acceptable carrier and a safe and effective amountof an active ingredient comprising one or more active compounds from anextract of oregano. The prepared oral composition is contacted with anoral surface of the oral cavity. The oral composition of the presentinvention containing the active ingredient comprising an extract oforegano provides multiple oral health benefits including antigingivitis,anti-periodontitis, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, breath freshening,and combinations thereof. For example, in certain embodiments of thepresent invention, contacting the oral composition with the oral surfacereduces inflammation of the oral tissue. This anti-inflammatory effectcan occur by the anti-oxidant properties of the oregano extract whichare believed to prevent oxyradical-induced damage by scavenging freeradical compounds (ROS) after they have been formed in the oral cavity;by reducing one or more mediators of inflammation in the inflamed tissuein the oral cavity, or by both mechanisms. The present invention alsoprovides an antimicrobial effect when the oral composition comprisingoregano extract contacts an oral surface. The active ingredientcomprising an oregano extract is efficacious against Gram negative andGram positive oral bacteria, both of which are implicated in halitosis,plaque formation, and chronic oral disease, such as gingivitis andperiodontitis. Thus, the present invention is an efficaciousantibacterial agent.

Additionally, the contacting of the oral tissue with the oralcomposition comprising an extract of oregano serves to reduce or improveone or more conditions selected from the group consisting of: plaqueformation, halitosis, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

Thus, in various embodiments of the present invention, the oral carecomposition that is prepared as a dentifrice, confectionary, film,mouthwash, or animal product. The oral composition is preferablycontacted with or applied regularly to an oral surface, preferably on adaily basis, at least one time daily for multiple days, but alternatelyevery second or third day. Most preferably the oral composition isapplied to the oral surfaces from 1 to 3 times daily, at a pH of about4.5 to about 10, generally about 5.5 to about 8, preferably about 6 to8, for at least 2 weeks up to 8 weeks or more up to lifetime.

The oral compositions of the present invention may be prepared bysuitably mixing the ingredients. For instance, in the preparation of amouthrinse, the antibacterial active ingredient comprising oreganoextract is dispersed in a flavor oil or an alcohol and then added to amixture of humectants, surfactants, and water. The resulting rinseproduct is then packaged. Dentifrices are prepared by adding varioussalts (including fluoride), and sweeteners (e.g., saccharin) to water,where it is mixed. Into another container, all humectants, gums, andpolymers are added together. The water mixture described above is addedto the container with the humectants, gums, and polymers. The combinedingredients are optionally heated to about 140° to about 160° F. todisperse the gums and polymers. The heated mixture is then cooled toless than approximately 100° F. The mixture is then combined withabrasives, where it is mixed at high speed under a vacuum for 15 to 20minutes. The flavor oil (and/or alcohol) and active ingredient is thenadded to the mixture and mixed under high speed and vacuum untilsufficiently dispersed. The surfactant(s) are added and the mixture isagain mixed to disperse.

The oral composition of this invention can be incorporated intoconfectionary and tropes. Such methods of forming confectionary (e.g.,gum) or tropes (e.g., lozenges) are well known by one of skill in theart, and can be prepared by stirring the extracts into a warm gum baseor coating the outer surface of a gum base (for example, jelutone,rubber latex, vinylite resins, inter alia), desirably with conventionalplasticizers or softeners, sugar or other sweeteners or carbohydratessuch as glucose, sorbitol and the like.

Where the oral composition is in the form of a film, it can be formed byany number of conventional film forming processes, such as conventionalextrusion or solvent casting processes. For example, to prepare a filmby solvent casting, a film forming polymer is dissolved in a sufficientamount of a solvent which is compatible with the polymer. After asolution has been formed, a plasticizer can be added with stirring, andheat can be applied if necessary to aid dissolution, until a clear andhomogeneous solution has been formed, followed by the addition of theactive ingredients, surface active agents, bulking agents, and any otheringredients such as flavors and sweeteners. For ease of use, the dryfilm can be cut into pieces of suitable size and shape and packed into asuitable container.

The following Examples further illustrate the present invention, but itis understood that the invention is not limited thereto. All amounts andproportions referred to herein and in the appended claims are by weightunless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE I

A dentifrice formulation is prepared containing a powdered extract oforegano active ingredient extracted from Origanum vulgare available fromCedarville was provided at 0.3%. Further, additional active tartarcontrol active ingredients were added containing tetrasodiumpyrophosphate (TSPP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). A copolymer ofmaleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether (GANTREZ® S97 liquid) was alsoadded with the ingredients listed in Table I.

A dentifrice composition having the ingredients listed in Table I isprepared by the following method. Sodium saccharin, sodiummonofluorophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), sodiumtripolyphosphate (STPP) and any other salts are dispersed in water andmixed in a conventional mixer under agitation. The humectants e.g.,glycerin and sorbitol, are added to the water mixture under agitation.Then organic thickeners, such as carageenan, and any polymers, such asGANTREZ®, are added. The resultant mixture is agitated and heated toapproximately 140° to 160° F. until a homogeneous gel phase is formed,and then cooled. A pigment such as TiO₂ is added into the gel phase,colorant, and any acid or base (e.g., NaOH) required to adjust the pH to6 to 7. The mixture is then transferred to a high-speed vacuum mixer;where silica abrasive SYLODENT® XWA 650, SYLODENT® 783, and silicathickener ZEODENT® 165 are added. The mixture is then mixed at highspeed for from 5 to 30 minutes, under vacuum of about 20 to 50 mm of Hg,preferably about 30 mm Hg. The flavor oil and oregano extract are addedand then mixed. Lastly, surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)are added into the mixer. The resultant product is a homogeneous,semi-solid, extrudable paste or gel product. TABLE I Ingredient FinalWt. % Oregano Extract 0.3 TSPP 1.0 STPP 7.0 GANTREZ ® S97- liquidsolution 1.0 Sorbitol 18.7 Glycerin 12.0 Sodium fluoride 0.243 Sodiumsaccharin 0.3 Sodium hydroxide 1.0 CMC 2000S 0.8 Carrageenan 0.4SYLODENT ® 783 11.0 SYLODENT ® XWA 650 10.0 ZEODENT ® 165 3.5 Sodiumlauryl sulfate 1.2 TiO₂ coated Mica 0.1 Flavor (89-332) 1.0 Blue ColorSolution 0.05 Water Q.S.

1. An oral care composition comprising an active ingredient comprising asafe and effective amount of one or more active compounds from anextract of oregano, and an orally acceptable carrier.
 2. An oral carecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredientcomprises an extract of oregano.
 3. An oral care composition accordingto claim 1, wherein the active ingredient consists essentially of one ormore active compounds from an extract of oregano.
 4. An oral carecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient consistsessentially of an extract of oregano.
 5. An oral composition accordingto claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is present in the oral carecomposition about 0.001 to about 10 weight %.
 6. An oral compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is present in theoral composition at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 5% by weight.7. An oral composition according to claim 1, wherein the activeingredient is present in the oral composition at a concentration ofabout 0.01 to about 3% by weight.
 8. An oral composition according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more compounds from theoregano extract is selected from the group consisting of: carvacrol,thymol, and rosmarinic acid.
 9. An oral composition according to claim1, wherein the oral composition further comprises an additional activeingredient.
 10. An oral composition according to claim 9, wherein theadditional active ingredient is selected from the group of:antibacterial agents, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients,mouth moisturizing agents, sialagogues, emollients, anticaries agents,desensitizing agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-plaque agents,anti-halitosis agents, and combinations thereof.
 11. An oral compositionaccording to claim 9, wherein the additional active ingredient isselected from the group consisting of:2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), stannousfluoride, zinc citrate, potassium nitrate, sodium metaphosphate, andcombinations thereof.
 12. An oral composition according to claim 1,wherein the oral composition further comprises2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan).
 13. An oralcomposition according to claim 1, wherein the orally acceptable carriercomprises one or more oral care ingredients selected from the groupconsisting of: viscosity modifiers, diluents, surface active agents, pHmodifying agents, abrasives, humectants, mouth feel agents, sweeteningagents, flavor agents, colorants, preservatives, vitamins, compatibleenzymes, chlorophyll compounds and combinations thereof.
 14. An oralcare composition according to claim 1, wherein the oral care compositionis in a form selected from the group consisting of: a mouthrinse, afilm, a confectionary, a dentifrice, and an animal product.
 15. A methodof providing oral health benefits to an oral surface of a mammaliansubject which comprises: (a) contacting an oral care compositionaccording to claim 1 with the oral surface; and (b) repeating (a) formultiple days to provide one or more oral health benefits to the oralsurface.
 16. An antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activeingredient for use in an oral care composition comprising a safe andeffective amount of an extract of oregano.
 17. An active ingredientaccording to claim 16, wherein the oregano extract comprises a compoundselected from the group consisting of: carvacrol, thymol, rosmarinicacid, and mixtures thereof.
 18. A method of providing one or more oralhealth benefits to an oral cavity of a mammalian subject, the methodcomprising: preparing an oral care composition comprising an orallyacceptable carrier and a safe and effective amount of an activeingredient comprising one or more active compounds from an extract oforegano, and contacting the oral care composition with an oral surfaceof the oral cavity to provide the benefits thereto.
 19. A methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the one or more oral health benefits areselected from the group consisting of: antigingivitis,antiperiodontitis, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, breath freshening, andcombinations thereof.
 20. A method according to claim 18, wherein thecontacting with the oral surface reduces inflammation of oral tissue inthe oral cavity.
 21. A method according to claim 18, wherein thecontacting with the oral surface kills bacteria in the oral cavity. 22.A method according to claim 18, wherein the contacting reduces one ormore conditions selected from the group consisting of: plaque formation,halitosis, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
 23. A method according toclaim 18, wherein the contacting is repeated at least one time daily formultiple days.